Suanne Wright Tharpe

Mrs. Suanne “Sue” Wright Tharpe, born on August 4, 1940, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. A native of Atlanta, Mrs. Tharpe dedicated her life to community service, education, and business. She began her career as a teacher in the Atlanta City Schools and the DeKalb County School System, where she also served as PTA President in the City of Decatur Schools. Her commitment to community welfare was evident through her roles on the boards of the Decatur Cooperative Ministry and the DeKalb Council on Aging, where she played a pivotal role in establishing five Senior Citizen’s Centers and launching the DeKalb County Meals on Wheels program.
Mrs. Tharpe’s professional journey included employment with the U.S. House of Representatives and ownership of Chapter One, Inc. Bookstore in Decatur. She contributed to various organizations, including the Governor’s Committee on Juvenile Justice, the DeKalb Democratic National Convention Task Force, and the American Heart Association, DeKalb Unit Board of Directors. As a Trustee and Secretary of the Fledgling Foundation, she furthered her impact on the community.
An avid gardener, Mrs. Tharpe’s homes were featured on several garden tours, with her Decatur home gracing the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. She was the Chartering Secretary of the Georgia Perennial Plant Association. Her career also included serving as Vice President for Government and Small Business for the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. In 1990 she joined the U.S. Peace Corp. as a Small Business advisor. She served in Pakistan and Botswana.
Upon returning to Atlanta, she worked as the Human Resource/Training Manager at Oxford Books and concluded her career as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Georgia after serving a similar position in New York. Mrs. Tharpe was a Rotarian and an active member of BPW, AAUW, and Kappa Delta Sorority. She was active in the Flint River Basket Weavers, and the Georgia Basketry Association.
Preceded in death by her husband, Warren Ashby Tharpe, and children, Margaret Elizabeth (Liza) and Clifford Warren (Cliff) Tharpe, she is survived by her sister, Marilyn Wright (Mrs. George B.) Counts of Atlanta; daughter, Laurie Tharpe (Mrs. Alexander E.) Thomas of Forsyth; grandchildren, Lillian Claire (Mrs. Jordan M.) Banks of Clarkesville, Cary Hilton Beck II (fiancé Alexis Pavone) of Atlanta and their father Cary Hilton Beck of Macon, Henry Warren, and George Joseph Tharpe and their mother Cynthia Tharpe of Atlanta; and great-grandchild, James Michael Banks. Mrs. Tharpe’s legacy of service and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wesley Glen Ministries Special Olympics Fund, 4580 N. Mumford Rd. Macon, GA 31210.
Dec. 14, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Westview Cemetary